In summary, the sweet deal with the average ageing flagship is its relevance specs-wise without being a burden on the purse. It tends to leverage the manufacturer’s competences to bring to market a device that will be supported for a decent amount of time, considering the rapid innovative nature of the mobile market.

So, when I got the chance to get my hands on the LG G2, a 2013 Android flagship, I jumped at it. I wondered what value it would still deliver to the everyday smartphone user in 2015. The specifications remain impressive two years after though:

Still very good specs today. There is no microSD card slot though. Something unique about the G2 is the location of its power and volume buttons – at the rear of the phone:

It is taking some getting used to for me, as my head just doesn’t expect the buttons there. Perhaps after a few days of use, I shall adjust. It is also interesting that this 2013 flagship has received a number of software updates and so currently runs official Android 5.0.2 Lollipop. Impressive.

The G2 is a very compact device and has was designed to minimise useless space. As such, the bezels are very minimal. For a phone with a 5.2-inch display, it is very compact.

There’s an Infrared port at the top edge for controlling your TV, DVD player and home theatre with the phone. It also packs a 3,000mAh battery. Many 5-inch smartphones I know do not have a battery capacity exceeding 2,500 mAh, so this looks really good. I am expecting superb battery performance.

As far as I can tell, the Lg G2 is still very up-to-date. It would be serious value for money if only it didn’t go for as high as ?75,000 in the market right now. Perhaps at N55,000,I’d jump at this. If you find a used unit in good condition for around N45,000, it is a steal. Call Swot Solutions to ask if there’s one available, should you be looking.

What do you think? Specs-wise, its very much capable, but is the LG G2 still great value at its current cost?

9 comments

Most phones have a two-year lifespan in terms of updates. However, if you’re not interested in updates for the sake of it, it’s a good investment.

My current Android phone is a 2013 model, doesn’t have Lollipop and I can honestly say I don’t miss it. I was tempted to buy this phone, but decided to go a bit cheaper and got a good deal. So Hi Beezle is right – yesterday’s flagship can be a better deal.

One of the best reviews I have read on a phone.Short but impressive. I wish I could lay my hands on one too. I bet it will daily drive me for a long period of time. For it to have survived update to Lollipop 5.2 is something.Thanks Mr Mo.

I believe Elroy wrote an article on new budget device vs older flagships. the G2 was and still is a great device. but as far as aging flagships that still work like a charm, I’d say the Google/LG Nexus 4 is king. it’s not as good specs wise as the G2 (screen size, processor speed, battery capacity, camera quality etc) but it still runs smoothly. had mine for over 2 years and it would still be my daily driver if my niece hadn’t dropped it (glass back shattered, getting that fixed).

PS: the SONY Xperia Z, HTC M7 & Samsung Galaxy S4 deserve honorable mentions, all from the same period, running Lollipop as well

that’s a problem with our retail chains here. prices don’t drop after a certain period here. to clear your inventory of old stock, you need to give customers some incentives. my cousin got a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 last week for $200 off. here that’s just not possible. besides the mark-up on the merchandise, the prices are pretty static after a few “discounts”.

when I went to drop my Nexus 4 off for repair at Computer Village, I saw the Nexus 4 at SLOT for 67,000. i just started laughing